A HISTORIC VENUE FOR MODERN CREATIVES.
A team of experts for your next
creative event, book project, or
innovation on paper.
Who we are:
The Bindery is a multifaceted creative facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our small team designs and engineers new book-media from scratch (and repairs books from the past). We work with authors and artists who want quality, unique creations built by hand from the finest materials.
We operate out of a repurposed, heritage book factory that we share with a core group of creative tenants. Modern, private office space, and a 2,000 sq/ft events venue are available to the public within our unique, historic establishment.
Our book factory provides:
WHY US?
We're small but mighty experts. We can do anything the "big guys" can...but better.
The Bindery is a micro-team who each have over a decade of experience in the diverse fields of bookbinding, design, layout, project management, events, and creative practice.
Each of us brings our strengths to any process as we work thoughtfully through every detail. Our shop doesn't rush: we use traditional practices and historic, manual machinery to create work that is luxe and made to last a lifetime.
Our clients choose us for this hand touch on each piece and program we create. They choose us because we are small, perfectionists, and proud.
We're nimble, flexible, and will meet you where you're at, from design to bind.
At The Bindery we adore our clients and work with writers and artisans at all stages of their projects. We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable plus super approachable and collaborative.
Your next book might still exist as just an idea, a group of photos, or something you've typed up but...now what? We're here to help, regardless, and be guides on your journey.
We want to make your vision spring to life on paper and we offer a full range of friendly consulting and production services. Our team welcomes all questions and can work with you at your pace.
Our event space is one of the most unique in the entire country.
Really.
Our event venue is housed within a historic, operational book bindery and letterpress print shop. We're a living museum ready to host [and inspire] you.
Our modern-industrial vibe is enhanced by 100 year-old cast iron presses, vibrant papers, and tools of the trade from a Mid-Century book factory.
All protected by walls of glass, the events-space looks in on the past while guests enjoy our updated venue. The Bindery was built to be inviting, ADA-compliant, spacious, and flexible to meet the varying needs of today's creative class.
We're passionate about the artistic and creative health of our community: past, present, and into the future.
The Bindery is a reimagined business based on the Wisconsin Book Bindery, which stood in its place since 1957. After saving this important part of Milwaukee's creative heritage, we now offer a fresh new take on book arts, with a community focus.
The Bindery is a Benefit-Corporation: a company motivated by the quadruple bottom line: people, planet, profit, and purpose. We actively engage in pro-bono programming and partnerships with arts-centric organizations we love. We use recycled and regionally-sourced materials, adhere to ethical and anti-racist business practices, and provide an accessible, inclusive and welcoming venue.
The Bindery is proudly Queer-owned and a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. By working with us you're putting your dollars toward a local small business who cares where those dollars get invested next. We're invested in Milwaukee at large.
The Bindery
347 E. Ward Street
Milwaukee, WI 53207
414-482-3630
Public Hours:
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Weekdays: 10am to 6pm*
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Saturdays: by appointment only
* If you need staff assistance with a repair or new project, please make an appointment to ensure we're available to serve you!
Rental Hours:
The Bindery rents our facility out for private work and special events on evenings and weekends.
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